[Milsurplus] Odd batteries...

[J Forster]

Brooke Clarke wrote:

> Hi John:
>
> Although I haven't ordered the No. 6 battery from
> http://www.mcmaster.com/ (I did just order another tap and die from them since
> they stock sizes that you can't buy at the local hardware store), I think it's
> made up of a couple of "F" cells connected in parallel, like the BA-23 I got
> not that long ago, see:  http://www.prc68.com/I/TS183.shtml#3

Could be. Frankly that had not occurred to me. I figured that there would still be
demand in the industrial world for #6s. I suppose if the A-H and discharge
capacity are the same, it's a wash, although I don't like it much.

> Can you describe what you mean by "old torch batteries"?
> Would they be like used in this railroad lantern:
> http://www.prc68.com/I/FlashlightPat.shtml#Moxley

They are packs of 3 or 4 cells roughly between AA and C used in bicycle lights
years ago. They were pretty common in WW II.

> Also, what's an "X cell"?

It's a square, cardboard cased battery, roughly 1.6 x 1.6 x 5 with two screw
terminals on top. They were used in many UK and Canadian telephone sets and
wireless remote controls. They can be made from D cells, but it's a PITA.

Best,
-John

> Have Fun,
>
> Brooke Clarke